I will be only using it for target practice..max 100 yards and self defense for home for home
I’m worry about the mini 14 ammo,….Penetration of walls and exiting a house is a concern.
That’s why I was more of thinking about getting the Mini 30, larger bullet.
Would like your feedback,
I don't know how to delete post I'm thinking of buying a Ruger mini-14
Thanks,
bobbart

If I were going to use a rifle for HD, the Mini-14 would be my pick. My Mini-14 is superbly reliable, and as accurate as I need it to be. There are HP loads out there that minimize over-penetration risks, but it's still a possibility with most any centerfire weapon...particularly rifles. Fair warning: The AR snobs will sniff disdainfully at the Mini and tell you to save up for a "black rifle". If you have your heart set on the Ruger, don't let 'em sway you!

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I am an admitted black rifle junkie. But there is something very special about wood and steel. The Mini-14 is a heck of a rifle and one that will serve you very well. .223 is easy to find and reload and has plenty of power at 100yds and in. It would be my recommendation.

~LT

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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ- Greek:"Come and take them..." Meaning: Here we peaceably stand as armed and free men, willing to defend that peace, and ready to make war upon anyone who threatens that freedom.

You've got it backwards. 223 rounds, especially softpoint ammo does not penetrate building material nearly as much as other rounds. Most handgun rounds are more likely to cause problems. The mini-30 is much more likely to do so.

I'd rather have the mini 14 for home defense. If you want to target shoot, get a newer rifle as they are supposed to be much more accurate than the older ones. Either the old or the new mini 14s should work fine for home defense.

Mini 14 for home defense? If long gun was an option, go 12 gauge. It's going to be cheaper and better in every aspect. But back to the original question. Mini 14 carries energy and accuracy at a longer range. The 7.62x39 has a higher energy at a shorter range. I personally wouldn't use the mini 14 or 30 past 200 yards. They aren't the most accurate rifles.

What do you think about the Saiga 410ga Shotgun, 3 Inch Chamber Semi Auto Shotgun

Instead of buying the Ruger mini 14, I was also thinking about Saiga 410ga Shotgun, 3 Inch Chamber Semi Auto Shotgun...don't have to worry about Penetration of walls and exiting a house.
What do you think?

It depends on what ammo you use. A buckshot load from a .410 will penetrate wall board just like a buck load from a 12 gauge but there will be fewer pellets. Any load you use that meets the FBI's standards for penetration is going to penetrate wall board. I would pick a firearm that you can operate proficiently, load it with ammo that does well on the FBI's testing standards, train with it and be aware of your fields of fire.

I'd much rather have a 12 or 20 gauge shotgun than a .410. A .410 would work but I'd rather go with your idea of a Mini 14. A strategically placed bookshelf loaded with books will reduce or stop penetration through walls but it's best to not miss. If you have hunted rabbits all your life and are better with a shotgun, use a shotgun. If you are better with a rifle, use a rifle. Get some training and practice with the one you decide to use.

I think a 12 or 20 gauge would be the way to go if you want a shotgun for home defense. There are a lot of reliable yet inexpensive shotguns out there.

A 223 softpoint from an AR or Mini 14 has made the shotgun obsolete. The only advantage is price and with today's AR prices you can get a good one cheaper than a Mini. Both AR's and Mini's have closed the price gap considerably. Buy a couple hundred rounds of buckshot vs 223 rounds and the price is even closer.

There is no reason to take 25-30 ft lbs of recoil,( 300 win mag levels) from a shotgun when 223 has around 4-5 ft lbs of recoil and has proven to be just as reliable at stopping threats. The carbines are lighter shorter and hold 6X the ammo.

Did someone just compare the stopping power of the .223 to a 12 gauge 00 buck shot? I know there are alot of AR fan boys out there but come on. Recoil? Get some controlled recoil to help with that and over penetration as well. We won't even compare ft lbs of energy. Sure, the .223 can be used as a home defense round, but it is nowhere near better than a 12 gauge. Think of what stopping power is. 9 .33 caliber pellets are going to cause alot more trauma and blood loss then a 55 grain .223 round. And as for price, I shoot cheap 6 shot at the range and baught a couple boxes of 00 for home protection.

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